New software causes 'significant problems' at North Bristol

PERFORMANCE: The introduction of a new electronic record and patient administration system has caused “significant” problems with outpatient appointments at North Bristol Trust.

A report to January’s board said the introduction of the Cerner Millenium software had been largely sucessful in the trust’s 65 wards, operating theatres and emergency department.

But problems had arisen in outpatients. Issues including patients receiving the wrong appointment dates, no confirmation or cancellation letters and patients being booked into incorrect clinics had been caused by a the “incorrect configuration of clinic lists and data migration of existing appointments”.

The report continued: “This has caused disruption and frustration for our patients, and we have apologised publicly for this. It has also placed extra workload on our staff, who nevertheless remain dedicated to ensuring the best possible patient care during this period, and managing the issues that the trust faces.”

The trust is hoping to have resolved all issues by the week beginning 13 February.